PATIALA: The Centre for Advanced Studies in Criminal Law (CASCL), Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, successfully organised the Criminal Law Conclave on “An Assessment of the New Criminal Law Regime” on 13th September 2025. The event was conducted in an online mode on the new Criminal laws.
The resource persons for discussion and deliberation on the new reforms were Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, Professor & Director of University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) at Panjab University, Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Dogra, Professor of Law, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, Dr. Neeraj Tiwari, Associate Professor at National Law University Delhi, Ms. Nayanika and Mr. Siddharth from the India Justice Report, and Mr. Naveed from the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of RGNUL, Prof. (Dr.) Jai S. Singh, Registrar of RGNUL, Dr. Ivneet Kaur Walia, Dean of Academics of RGNUL, Prof. (Dr.) Naresh Vats, and Dean of Research of RGNUL, Prof. (Dr.) Kamaljit Kaur attended and shared their insights in this Conclave as well.
The Conclave’s aim was assessment of the three newly enacted criminal law statutes—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (BSA). By bringing together eminent scholars, practitioners, and experts, the Conclave aimed to assess the new laws through the lenses of constitutionalism, jurisprudence, infrastructure, and policy, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the national dialogue on their scope and impact.
Prof. (Dr.) Shruti Bedi, spoke on “Decolonising Criminal Law? Continuity, Change and Constitutionalism”. Prof. Bedi’s address examined whether the new legal regime truly breaks away from colonial legacies or perpetuates them under a constitutional framework. Her address laid the intellectual foundation for subsequent discussions.
Subsequently, Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Dogra, delivered her insights on “Leveraging scientific advancements for ‘Nagrik Suraksha’: Anokhi Lal in perspective”, focusing on how scientific innovations may aid in advancing citizens’ security. Prof. Dogra’s address focused on the role of science and technology in enhancing citizen security, particularly examining how forensic and technological tools may contribute to the effective implementation of justice.
The session was further enriched by Dr. Neeraj Tiwari, who presented on “Tech Integration under New Criminal Laws: Initiatives and Way Forward”. Prof. Tiwari’s address elaborated upon the government’s initiatives in incorporating digital processes, the challenges of cyber adaptation, and the scope of efficiency gains through modernisation of procedures under the BNSS by the integration of technology in criminal law processes.
Thereafter, the deliberations continued with a joint address by Ms. Nayanika and Mr. Siddharth on “Infrastructural Bottlenecks Emerging with the Implementation of the New Criminal Laws”. They shed light on institutional and infrastructural challenges hindering effective execution. They highlighted systemic challenges such as inadequate institutional capacity, a shortage of trained personnel, and infrastructural gaps, which may hinder the smooth enforcement of the new statutes.
Following this, Mr. Naveed spoke on “Enduring Colonial Legacy in the New Criminal Laws”, assessing whether the reforms represent continuity rather than a genuine rupture from the colonial frameworks.